My latest solo travel adventure began in Venice, Italy.  While in Venice, I took day trips to Padua and the islands of Murano and Burano.  I then spent three days in Verona, Italy with a day trip to Lake Garda.

My mother’s family is Italian.  When I think of Italian food, I think of Lasagna, Raviolis, Eggplant Parmesan, and of course, Cannolis, Sfogliatella (my Dad’s favorite), Pizza, and last but not least – GELATO! 

I don’t normally take pictures of my food at restaurants.  Of course, I had pizza in Italy.  Everyone knows what pizza looks like – however, when I was in Burano, I ordered pizza at a very crowded restaurant.  The waiter wanted to know what kind of pizza I wanted.  I was focused on size, and he was asking about toppings.  I quickly looked over the massive list of options.  I saw one of the pizza’s titled Americana and ordered that one.  Well, that was a huge mistake!  The pizza came out topped with French Fries.  Have any of you had a pizza topped with French Fries?  Immediately I asked for a separate plate so I could remove all the French Fries.  Then I asked for hot pepper flakes.  How many of you like hot red pepper flakes on your pizza?  It is one of my favorite things to put on a pizza.  When I asked for the red pepper flakes, the waiter simply said, “We have spicy oil.”  It was not as good as red pepper flakes, but it worked.

There are a lot of great things to eat in Italy. 

Of course, there are other things to eat in Italy! The vegetable and fish markets are everywhere!

After exploring Italy, I headed to Salzburg and Vienna.  I knew I couldn’t leave Austria without trying Wiener Schnitzel. 

I like veal cutlet but for health reasons try to stay away from fried foods.  I was determined to try this dish so on my first day in Vienna, I stopped in a restaurant across from the Opera House and ordered Wiener Schnitzel.  On the menu, it came with potato salad and cranberry sauce.  I asked them to change the potato salad for a regular salad.  I stay away from potatoes for the same reason I avoid pasta.  I really like the size jeans I am in now and refuse to go higher in size!!

I absolutely loved the Wiener Schnitzel with the cranberry sauce.  But by itself – I have to say that I am not a fan.  Whatever dressing they put on the salad was perfect.  All in all, Wiener Schnitzel gets a 6 out of 10 rating from me.  I am glad I tried it, but I don’t think I will ever order it again.

I also had apple strudel in Austria and LOVED it! However, as I took bite after bite of the wonderful warm apples, I couldn’t help but think that ice cream was needed.

But, now let me tell you what I really enjoyed in Austria. 

I also enjoyed lunch at a café where I had a special soup with liver dumplings.  That was different and very good.

I like trying new foods, but I am particular about starchy foods.  If I am going to eat carbs, I prefer the carbs in dessert like cannoli or gelato instead of pasta, potatoes, and bread.  My goal is to stay healthy for as long as I can so I can travel to all the places on my bucket list.

What is on your bucket list and what are you doing to stay healthy so you can travel?

This 18-day trip to Italy and Austria is over – but there is more to come.  My Catholic Travel Blog will continue to share adventures to cathedrals, basilicas, monasteries, and shrines in this country and abroad. 

I am also happy to share that my third book is being finalized with reviewers and proofreaders.  Stay tuned for updates on Book #3.  If you loved my latest book – Mary’s Life Journey & Her Amazing Yes! (which just received third place from the CMA Book Awards) – you will love Book #3.  Subscribe below to be sure you receive all the updates on blogs and the book launch for Book #3.

Use the Amazon buttons below to order your copy of my latest books. Don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon! Thank you and Happy Reading to ALL…..

For my favorite books by other authors - click here.

God Bless and Remember - Sharing is Caring!